FIRST they wanted to put microchips in wheelie bins and then they threatened to fine householders £100 for leaving their bins out on the wrong day.

Now Southampton City Council is set to start charge residents £5 for replacement bags to recycle garden waste.

Southampton was one of the last councils in Hampshire to replace bags free of charge.

Labour councillors branded the new charge “bizarre” and said it exposed the Conservative administration’s true commitment to the environment.

They warned the move would result in many residents losing interest in the scheme, add to greenhouse gases, and involve costly enforcement.

John Spottiswoode from the South West Hampshire Green Party said: “It a counterproductive and completely stupid policy. It’s cost cutting gone mad.

“All that will happen is people won’t buy them and won’t recycle their garden waste, which will push up landfill costs.”

The Tory-run City Council calculates the charges will save it £20,000, while its garden waste service will continue to be free.

A council spokesman said: “The council replaces green refuse bags upon request - as does every other council which does a green bag scheme. We have never expected to break even or make a profit from this. It is one of hundreds of services we provide for residents.

“We currently provide the bags to residents for free. However, many councils charge a fee for the bags. This helps to recoup some of the cost and it also helps residents to take care with their bags.”

The service is free for Winchester residents, but they have to pay £25 for any additional garden waste. Fareham residents pay £5 for five bags.

While garden waste services in Eastleigh, Test Valley and the New Forest are all paid for by an annual subscription costing £25, £22 and £26 respectively.

Last week, the Daily Echo reported how Southampton householders who leave their wheelie bin out on the wrong day could be fined £100.

The revelation followed a controversial proposal to measure the amount each home recycles with microchips.